In order to increase security and scalability, NEAR Protocol has released its 2.13 mainnet upgrade, which includes dynamic resharding and quantum-resistant cryptography.
The update allows the network to autonomously modify its shard structure as demand increases and adds a post-quantum signature mechanism that has been validated by NIST. With the update, NEAR is now among the first significant Layer-1 blockchains to implement quantum-safe signing technology on a live production network, setting it poised for future cryptographic difficulties and increased transaction volumes.
The latest release adds support for the FIPS-204 (ML-DSA) post-quantum signature standard, a cryptographic method designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers. Current blockchain signature systems could eventually become vulnerable as quantum computing technology advances, raising concerns about the long-term security of digital assets.
MAINNET UPGRADE
Quantum-safe signing is now live on NEAR mainnet.
This makes NEAR one of the first blockchains with a NIST-approved post-quantum signature scheme in production.
The upgrade also launches dynamic resharding, so NEAR Protocol can scale itself automatically 🧵 pic.twitter.com/YvpvGwkYZU
— NEAR Protocol (@NEARProtocol) July 20, 2026
Support for the FIPS-204 (ML-DSA) post-quantum signature standard, a cryptographic technique intended to fend off assaults from upcoming quantum computers, has been added in the most recent release. As quantum computing technology develops, existing blockchain signature methods may someday become insecure, raising questions about the long-term security of digital assets.
By using the NEAR command-line interface to rotate their cryptographic keys, users can switch to the new signature technique using NEAR’s account model. The shift is anticipated to go more smoothly than on blockchains where wallet addresses are directly connected to outdated cryptographic techniques since account names are kept apart from specific key pairs.
The update adds dynamic resharding, which enables the network to automatically separate shards when transaction demand rises, in addition to the security enhancements. In the past, coordinated protocol upgrades and validator votes were needed to add new shards. The automated procedure is intended to increase scalability without interfering with network functionality.
The modifications, according to NEAR co-founder Illia Polosukhin, prepare the blockchain for long-term cryptographic threats as well as potential expansion in AI-driven apps and extensive on-chain activity.
The update coincides with an increase in industry interest in quantum security. In July, the Algorand Foundation asked for industry-wide standards for quantum-resistant wallets, and BitGo released new tools to assist institutional Bitcoin holders in evaluating quantum-related risks. Additionally, Blockstream is still investigating quantum-secure Bitcoin signatures, and TRON has enabled post-quantum signature support on its Nile testnet.
Experts point out that post-quantum cryptography is still relatively new in blockchain production contexts, despite technological advancements. Software performance, compatibility, and other implementation problems are still unanswered questions. In a similar vein, dynamic resharding adds more operational complexity that must be evaluated in real-world network scenarios.
Nevertheless, NEAR’s most recent upgrade is among the biggest blockchain infrastructure advancements of the year, demonstrating the industry’s increasing emphasis on anticipating security risks while maintaining network performance and scalability.
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